Bag-filling or packing machine



Oct. l0, 1950 J, E. socKE ETAL. M 2,524,846 l BAG FILLING 0R PACKING MACHINE Filed June 30, 1948 A 9 shuts-Sheet 1 mmh.

Oct. l0, 1950 J. E. socKE ETAL v 2,524,846

BAG FILLING 0R PACKING MACHINE Filed June 30. 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 KQ Il N *Q52* v. "1N @l N MN QQ cq N m 5g JNVE'ToR I mi BYJMM@ "0c-t. 1o, 195o J. E. socKE ET-AL 2,524,846

BAG FILLING 0R PACKING MACHINE Filed June so, 1948 9 sheeis-sheet s IN VEN 0R.

0d. l0, 1950 J. E. socKE E'rAL BAG FILLING oa PACKING MAcHIm:

9 Sheets-Sheet 4 NN NN NNN mm. N N

Fil-ed Juno 30, 1948 Um. 10, 1,950 .L E. socKE ETAL BAG FILLING 0R PACKING MACHINE 9 sheets-sheet e Filed June 30. 1948 EMWIN A 7' TOENEXS W 195@ J. E. socKE ETAL. 2,524,346

BAG FILLING 0R PACKING MAcHmE Filed dune 30. 194$ 9 Sheet-$heet 7 Gut, 195@ l J. E, SOCKE TAL 2,524,846

BAG FILLINGv OR PACKING MACHINE Filed June 30, 1948 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR.

A T roENYS Oct. 1 0, 195D J. E. socKE Erm` y BAG FILLING 0R PACKING um 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Files! June 30, 1948 ,RNAMIH n.583. kl Url; E

" rawfys Patented Oct. 10, 1950 UNITED STATES Pixilsirl oFFlc BAG-FILLING R PACKING MACHINE John E. Socke, Pelham-Manor, Y., and Lloyd Henry Weber, Maplewood, N.' J., assignors to American Can Company, New York, N. Y., a

corporation of New Jersey Application June 30, 1948, Serial No. 36,176

This invention relates to machines for pack- Containers in a Desired Pattern Arrangement;

Serial Number. 36,175 filed June 30, 1948 on Machine for Feeding, Transferring and Compacting Articles Into a Unit Layer; and Serial Number 36,177 led June 30, 1948 on Control Mechanism for Article Transferring Device inthe name of John E. Socke. g-

In the manufacture of cans, it is the usual practice to pack or load the finished cans into large paper bags or other flexible containers for convenience in handling Vand for protection against contamination during shipment and` storage. The cans have heretofore usually been placed in the bags manually, in orderly rows and layers so that a substantially firm and solid package results when the bag is filled and closed.

In such packing of the cans into the bags, it has been found that for best results, the bag should be held in a sidewise or horizontal or slightly inclined position from the horizontal so that the cans may be handled horizontally or substantially so. However, in this horizontal filling position the bag is diilicult to close or seal. For this reason, the bag when filled usually is turned into an upright position for sealing. The lled bag is handled manually for effecting these operations.

The instant invention contemplates the provision of a machine for automatically packing or y of cans prearranged in a predetermined pattern,

wherein the bag to be filled is preferablyheld in an upright position for convenience in sealing and into which a plurality of unit layers ofthe cans are preferably stacked one on ltop of the 14 claims. (ci. 2261-14) 2 other with division or separator sheets between eachvlayer so that a compact stack is-built up within the bag to facilitate handling of the lled bags after closing and sealing.

Another object is the provision in such a machine of devices for stacking the unit layers of cans into the bags wherein full control of all of the cans within a unit layer is maintained during the stacking operation so that each layer, as the different layers are deposited in the bag at progressively higher levels, is gently deposited on the stack at its proper level and is released without in any way disturbing the prearranged* pattern of the cans in the layer to facilitate the v formation of a compact uniform stack.

Another object is the provision in such a machine of devices which operate in synchronism with the unit layer can depositing devices for in.. serting between each layer of cans, a division or separator sheet, to separate and protect the cans of each layer and to facilitate in the building up of a compact stack of cans within the bag.

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawy ings, discloses a .preferred'embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a machine em bodying the present invention, with parts'broken away;

Fig. 2 is aside elevational view of the machine shown in Fig. 1, with parts broken away and with parts in section;

Fig. 3 is an end elevational'view of the machine as viewed from the right in Figs. 1 and 2; with parts broken away;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 with certain of the movable parts in a different position, parts being broken away and shown in section;

Fig. 5 is a top Iplan .view taken substantially along the'line 5--5 in Fig. 2, with parts broken' away;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken sbstantially along the vertical line S-BinFlg. 2 showing details of a can lifting device and of an air cylinder for actuating the same;

Fig. 'I is anenlarged sectional view taken substantially along the vertical line 'l-l in Fig. 4

showing details of the vent and vacuum valves for effecting the pickup and release of the cans;

l Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the broken vertical line 8-8 in Fig. 4 showing details of the air, vent and vacuum valves effective for the lifting, transfer and release of separator sheets;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional detail of an air valve for actuating the air cylinders shown in Figs. 1 and 2; and

Figs. 10, 11 are schematic Views of the mechanical and electrical control parts of the machine and a wiring diagram of the electric equipment i used in the machine.

As a preferred and exemplary embodiment of the instant invention the drawings illustrate a machine for stacking unit layers of cans A, into bags or flexible containers B (Figs. l, 2, 3 and 4) and also inserting a separator or division sheet C preferably of fibre between the layers as they are stacked. The cans A of a unit layer of cans to be packed into a bag B preferably are prear ranged, prior to their entrance into the Inachine, in an upright position and ina predetermined pattern comprising parallel rows, with adjacent cans in each row in staggered relation to provide a compact layer. These cans are placed in the machine in any suitable manner, preferably in a tray D (Fig. 2) although the cans may be received directly from another machine or a run- Way or conveyor if desired.

The bags B to be loaded with the layers of cans A preferably are made of fibre material and in general are of rectangular configuration. Preparatory to loading a bag, it is placed manually in an upright mold Ewhich is movable into and outgof the machine for convenience in placing the empty bag into the mold and for removing the bag when filled. When the bag is properly positioned in the mold, the mold is pushed manually into a loading station F in the machine (Figs. l and 4).

In the machine, the loading station F is disposed between a can receiving station G located at the left of the loading station as viewed in Figs. 1, 2 and 4 and a separator sheet station .H located at the'right of the loading station. At

device L, which normally is disposed at the receiving station G, moves down toward the tray D and picks up the unit layer of cans A and lifts themv 'out of the tray.

While the removed cans A are held in sus` pension by the loading device L the carriage K moves toward the right as viewed in Fig. 2 and thus carries the loading device with its cans into the loading station F and stops the loading. device directly over the bag B to be iilled. This movementof the carriage K also shifts the separator sheet inserting device M into the separator sheet station H and when the carriage stops, the sheet inserting device is directly above the stack of separator sheets C.

While the carriage vK is in this position, the loading device L moves down into the bag B and deposits its unit layer of cans Ainto the bag and then returns to its up or normal position above the bag (see Fig. 4). At the same time the separator sheet inserting device M moves down onto 1l the stack of separator` sheets C and picks up the uppermost sheet from the stack and moves up above the stack holding a sheet C in suspension. -v

The carriage then returns toits original position (as shown in Fig. 2).

The return movement of the carriage K shifts the sheet inserting device M with its suspended sheet C into a position directly over the bag B at the loading station F. When the carriage stops moving, the inserting device moves the suspended separator sheet down into the bag and drops it on top of the unit layer of cans A just received in the bag, and then returns to its'up or normal position above the bag. Thus one layer of cans A and its separator sheet C are deposited in the bag. This completes a loading cycle of operation.

The loading cycle of operation just explained is repeated'until the bag is filled with cans, and the machine then stops operating. At this time the mold E is withdrawn from the loading station,

F to a position where it is accessible for manually` closing and sealing the bag. When the bag is sealed, it is removed from the mold manually. to any suitable place of deposit and is replaced with an empty bag for a repeat cycle of operation. This completes the full cycle of operations of the machine incident to iilling and closing the bag for shipment and storage.

A description of the machine elements will now be given. The mold E which is movable transversely of the machine into and'out of the loading station Fis mounted on four rollers I2y (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) which operate on a pair of srs/spaced and parallel horizontal tracks I3 which extend transversely of the machine. 'Ihese tracks are supported in an angle iron frame I4 which constitutes the main frame of the machine and in a subframe I5 which is secured to and extends outwardly from the main frame. Thus when the mold is in position in the subframe I5 it is clear of the machine proper and is readily accessible Y for manually inserting an empty bag and for manually sealing and removing a lled bag. When the mold is pushed into the machine it is in the loading station F. The mold always remains in an upright position.

The trays D of cans A are received one at a time at the receiving station G, on a horizontal platform or table I 1 which is secured to the main frame I4 adiacent the loading station F. A pair of spaced and'parallel guide rails I8 secured to `the top of the table guide a received tray into proper position on the table.

The carriage K is disposed above the tablei 1 and is movable longitudinally of thev machine frame I4, from the can receiving station G, through the loading station F and into the separator sheet station H. Thiscarriage preferably is rectangular in shape and is mounted on four rollers 2| (Figs. 2, 3 and 6) which ride on a pair of spaced and parallel longitudinal tracks 22 which extend the full length of the machine. The tracks are secured at theirends tothe machine frame I4. The carriage extends down between the tracks and is long enough to extend over two adjacent stations, the can receiving station G and the loading station F or the loading station F and thesheet station H.

Movement ofthe carriage K is effected preferably by compressed air which is introduced into a long horizontally disposed closed cylinder 25 mountedkon the main frame I4 adjacent the path of travel of the carriage. )The cylinder encloses a piston 26 (Figs. 2 and 4) carried on a piston rod 21 whichl extends beyond theinnerend of the cylinder and is secured to a bracket 23`which projects from a side of the carriage.

The interior of the cylinder 25 adjacent its inner or rod end communicateswith'an inlet..

pipe 3| (Figs. 2 and 4) which leads from any suitable source of air pressure supply. This air exerts a force against the inner face of the piston and thus maintains the carriage K in its normal initial position over the can receiving station G and the loading station F as shown in Fig. 2. during which time a layer of cans is picked "up and a sheet is inserted into the bag B as hereinbefore mentioned. The opposite or outer end of the cylinder 25 is connected by a pipe 32 which leads to a carriage control valve 33 (Fig. 9) enclosed in a valve housing 34 bolted to the machine frame i4. The valve 33 preferablyis of the slide valve type having anannular channel 35 which normally maintains the plpe^32 in communication with a vent port36 formed in the valve housing 34. The valve normally closes of! the inlet end of a supply pipe 31 which leads from any suitable supply of compressed air. Flow of air through the valve housing into the outer end of the cylinder 25 is eiected by,a shifting of thevalve 33 which is broughtabout by a normally de-energized electric solenoi 33 enclosed within the valve housing as sho in Flg. 9. This solenoid has a movable core 33 which is connected to the valve 33 and which is maintained under the force of a compression spring piston is greater in area than that of its inner` face by an `amount equal tothe cross-sectional area of the piston rod, the force on the outer ilat horizontally disposed upper and lower rectangular plates 44, (Figs. 6 and 7) secured together as a unitary structure. The lower plate 45 carries a plurality of depending vacuum tubes 48 terminating at their lower` ends in vacuum cups 41 and arranged in spaced and parallel rows and staggered relation in accordance with the number and positions of the cans A in the trays D.

There is one vacuum tube and cup for each can.

.54 secured in the upper plate 44 of the loading device extend up through sleeves secured in the carriage and guide the loading device against turning during its vertical travel.

Compressed air is continuously introduced into the cylinder 53 adjacent its lower end by an inlet pipeA 51 (Fig. 6) which leads from any suitable source of air under pressure. This air exerts its force against the lower face of the piston 52 and normally supports the'weight of the loading device L and thus holds it in its uppermost position as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 6.

Lowering of the loading device is brought about I by compressed airwhich is introduced into the cylinder 53 at its upper end above the piston 52, through a pipe 58 (Figs. 1, 2 and 4) which is connected into the cylinder and into a valve housing I 59 which is similar to the. valve housing 34 shown y 53 and the ilow of compressed air thereinto from face overcomes that on the inner face and thus forces the piston along the cylinder (toward the right in Fig. 2). This movement of the cylinder shifts the carriage K from its initially normal position over the can receiving station G and loading station F as shown inA Fig. 2 to a position over the loading station F- and the separator sheet station H as shown in Fig. 4. It is in this position of the carriage that the cans A are loaded into the bag B andv a separator sheet C is picked up for later insertion into thebag over the cans tions have been performed, the energized solenoid a supply pipe 62 connected into the housing. The pipe 52 leads to any suitable source of supply of air under pressure.

When the solenoid 6I` like the solenoid 3B, is energized it opens its valve in the housing 59 and permits air from the supply pipe 62 to flow through the valve and the pipe 58, into the cylinder 53 above the piston 52 and exert its force against the upper face of the piston. Since this 33 is de-energized and the valve 33 closes the riage K is over the can receiving station G and which loads them into the waiting bag B at the loading station F, when the carriage shifts into this station as outlined above,4 depends from the carriage in vertical alignment'with the can receiving station when the carriage is in its normal position, and is movable vertically toward and upper face is greater in area than the lower face by an amount equal to the cross-sectional area o f the piston rod, the air above the piston pushes the piston down in its cylinder. This action low-v ers the loading device L and thus moves the vacuum cups-41 down onto the cans A in the tray D on the table I1. v

In the instant case. empty cans A are shown in the drawings by way of example of the articles to be loaded into the bag B, although the invention is equally well adapted to lledand sealed cans or to any other articles. In the case of empty cans, the vacuum cups 41 move down into the cans and engage against their vbottoms at the bottom of thefstroke of loading device L.

As soon as the loading device L reaches the bottom of its stroke, the valve in the housing 59 is closed byA ade-energizing of the solenoid 5l. This cuts off thev flow of compressed air from the supply pipe 52 into the cylinder 53 and opens away'from the table I1 on which thetray D rests.

the vent in the housing. This permits the air from the inlet pipe 51 at the ibottom of the cylin- 7 52 and thus return the position as der to lift the piston loading device' to its normal raised sho'wn in Fig. 2.

Substantially simultaneously with the closing of the valve in the valve housing 59 to return the loading device L, a vacuum is drawn on the vacuum cups 131 for the purpose of gripping the cans A and lifting them bodily with the loading device to remove them from the tray D and to temporarily hold them in suspension while the carriage K rn'oves them into position over the bag B at the loading station F as hereinbefore mentioned. This vacuumizing of the vacuum cups 41 is brought about by a cup venting and vacuumizing mechanism D (Figs. l, 4 and 7) supported on a vertically disposed combination vent and vacuum tube 6d (Fig. 7) projecting up from and movable with the loading device. The lower end of the tube is threadedly secured in the upper platefit of the lo-ading device and communicates with the interconnected vacuum channels d8 in the lower plate 45.

The upper end of the vent-vacuum tube 64 supports a casing 65 (Fig. '7) and isin communication with a chamber 66 enclosed` by the casing. One side of the chamber is connected by a short pipe 61 to a vacuum valve housing 68 y connected by a supply pipe 69 to a main supply pipe 10 which leads to any suitable source of vacuum. This valve housing encloses a normally closed vacuum slide valve 1| which nermally cuts off the source of vacuum and which is actuated by an integral core 12 of a normally -deenergized electric solenoid 13 mounted in the upper end of the valve housing. The core 12 is maintained under pressure of a compression spring 14 interposed between the upper end of the core and a cover plate 'l5 of the valve housing.

The opposite side of the chamber 66 is connected by a short pipe 11 (Fig. 7) to a vent valve housing 18 having a vent tube 19 open to the outsideatmosphere. This valve housing 18 encloses a normally open vent slide valve 8| which is actuated by an integral co-re 82 of a normally energized electric solenoid 83 mounted in the upper end of the valve housing. The core 82 is maintained under pressure of a compression spring 84 interposed between the upper end of the core and a cover plate 85 of the valve housing.

The operation of this venting and vacuumzinf: is as follows. When the loading device L moves down toward the cans A in the tray D and reaches the bottom of its stroke with the vacuum cups 41 engaging against the bottoms of the cans, the vent valve solenoid 83 is immediately de-energized and the vacuum valve solenoid 13 is simultaneously energized. This is elected through electric switches and suitable circuits to be hereinafter explained in connection with the wiring diagram. De-energizinng of the vent valve solenoid 83 closes the vent valve 8| and cuts 01T communication between the outside at-l mosphere and the chamber 66. Energizing of the vacuum valve'solenoid 13 opens the vacuum valve 1| and establishes communication between the vacuum supply pipe 69 and the chamber 66.

Hence the vacuum cups 41, by way of the channels 48 in the loading device L and the ventvacuum tube 64 connecting with these channels and the chamber 66 are subjected tn the vacuum pull in the vacuum supply pipe 69 and are thus vacuumized with the result that they grip and hold the cans A.

When suilicient vacuum is created in the vacuum cups 41 and the parts of the vent-vacuum mechanism 0 connected therewith, to insure PrOper gripping and holding of the cans A, the loading device\L is permitted to lift the cans as hereinbeforeymentioned. This lifting of the loading device is controlled by a piston 81 (Fig. '7) which is located in a. short vertical cylinder 88 enclosed in the chamber casing 65 and in communication with the chamber 66. The piston is retained in a. normally raised position as shown in Fig. '7 by a compression spring 89 which is interposedbetween the bottom face of the piston and thlower end of the cylinder. The upperend of the piston engages against a movable element of a normally closed electric switch 9| mounted on the chamber casing 65.

Hence when suilicient vacuum is created in the vent-vacuum mechanism 0 to grip and hold the cans, the piston 81 is drawn down in the cylinder 88 and this permits the switch 9| to open and through suitable electric circuits to be hereinafter explained, connects with and deenergizes the solenoid 6| in the valve housing 58 and thereby controls the lifting of the loading device L.

When the loading device L and its suspended unit layer of cans A are shifted into position over the bag B at the loading station F, the cans are lowered into the bag through a repeat cycle of operation of the valve in the housing 59 (Fig. 4) In this connection provision is made for stopping the loading device at-diierent levels in the bag to gently deposit successiveunit layers of cans individually on top of each other in parallel zones or tiers to progressively build up a stack within the bag. This is brought about through a. series of electric stop switches which will be hereinafter explained in connection with the wiring diagram.

When the loading device L stops at the level at which it is to discharge the unit layer of cans in the bag as shown in Fig. 4, the vacuum within the vacuum cups 41 is broken and thus the cans are released from the cups so that they will remain in the bag. This breaking cf the vacuum is effected by the closing of the vacuum valve 1I (Fig. '1) through the de-energizing of its solenoid 13 and by the simultaneous opening of the vent valve 8| through the energizing of its solenoid 83. The breaking of the vacuum in the vent-vacuum mechanism 0 with the resulting release of the cans A from the vacuum cups 41, also dissipates the vacuum pull on the switch piston 81 (Fig. 7) in the cylinder 88 and thereby permits the spring 89 to raise the piston. This closes the control switch 9| and permits the loading device L to return to its normally elevated position on the carriage K where it is ready for a repeat operation.

The separator sheet inserting device M which picks up the separator sheets C individually from the stack of sheets at the sheet station H and inserts them into the bag B on top of the'unit layers of cans A as the latter are deposited in the bag, is similar in construction and operation to the can loading device L. This inserting device M is carried on and depends from the carriage K in a position in advance of the loading device 'as shown in Fig. 2 by a, distance equal to the distance between the can receiving station G and the loading station F so as to obtain accurate l co-ordination and location of the devices L and M relative to the stations G, F and H.

The sheet inserting device M, like the" can' loading device L, includes a pair of at horlzontally disposed upper and lower rectangular plates 93, 94 (Fig. 8) secured together as a unitary structureand which are movable vertically toward and away from' the stack of sheets C and the bag B being loaded. The lower plate 84 carries four depending vacuum tubes 95 located at the corners of the plate and terminating in vacuum cups 90.' The 'upper ends of the tubes communicate with vacuum channels or grooves 91 which are formed inthe top surface of the lower plate 94 and which connect with all of th tubes.

Like the loading device L, the separator sheet inserting device M is retained normally in a suspended position on the carriage K and is moved 'vertically by compressed air devices which include a vertical closed cylinder (Fig. B) supported on and movable with the carriage. The cylinder contains a piston |02 mounted on a piston rod |03 which extends down through the cylinder and is secured to the upper plate 93 of the inserting device M. The upper plate 93 of the inserting device M also supports a housing |04 which encloses a chamber |05 of a venting and vacuum mechanism P and which is secured by a. vertical pipe |00 to the plate 93. The pipe |06 communicates with the chamber |05 in the housing |04 and the vacuum channels 91 in the lower plate 94.

Hence when the piston |02 moves in the cylinder |0| it lowers and raises the inserting device`M and also the vent-vacuum mechanism P. Pilot or guide pins |08 secured in the upper plate 93 of the inserting device extend up through sleeves |09 formed in the carriage K and guide the inserting device against turning during its vertical travel.

Compressed air is continuously introduced into the cylinder |0| adjacent its lower end, by an inlet pipe (Fig. 8) which leads from any suitable source of air under pressure. This air exerts its force against the lower face of the piston |02 and normally supports the weight of the inserting device M and thus holds it in'its uppermost or elevated position as shown in Fig. 2.

Actuation of the inserting device M in a downward direction is effected by compressed air which is introduced into the cylind-er |0| at its upper end above thepiston |02, through a pipe ||3 (Fig. 4) which connects with the pipe 58 leading from the valve housing 59. Thus the valve in the valve housing 59 controls the ow of air into the cylinder |0| while simultaneouslyv controlling the ow of air into the loading device actuating cylinder 53.

'I'he cycle of operation of the inserting device M is the same as that of the loading device L, both devices being lowered and raised simultaneously, the one to pick up and release the separator sheets C and the other to pick up and release the cans A. The inserting deviceM howj ever is not equipped with control devices for varying the distance it moves down into the bag when placing a separator sheet C on top of the y layers of cans deposited in the bag. The inserting device merely moves down to the level of the uppermost layer of cans in the bag regardless of how many layers are in the bag, and releases and drops its separator sheet at this level. The released sheet falls or drops onto the last layer of cans placed in the bag, whether it is the rst lor bottom layer or the last or top layer or any intermediate layer.

Picking up of a separator sheet C by the vacuum cups 96 from the stack of sheets at the station H is effected in a manner similar to that employed by the loading device L in picking up the cans A. For this purpose one side of the chamber |05 (Fig. 8)v in the casing |04 is corinected by a' shortpipe ||5 to a vertical'vacuum valve housing ||6 connected by a supply pipe whichv connects with the main supply pipe 'lu that leads tothe source of Vacuum. lnis valve vhousing encloses a normally open vacuum slide valve I|8 which is actuatedv by an integral core H9 of a normally energized electric solenoid K |2| mounted in the upper end oiv tne valve housing. The core ||9 is maintained under pressure oi' a compression spring |23 interposed between the upper end of the core and a cover plate |24 of the housing.

The opposite side of the chamber |05 is connected by a short pipe |21 (Fig. 8) to a vent valve housing |28 having a vent tube |29 open to the outside atmosphere. This valve housing |28 encloses a normally closed vent slide valve |30 which is actuated by an integral core |3| of a normally de-energized electric solenoid |32 mounted in the upper end of the valve housing. The core |3| is maintained under pressure of a compression spring |33 interposed between the upper end of the core and a cover plate |34 of the valve housing.

The operation of this venting and vacuumizing mechanism P is the same as the venting and vacuumlzing device 0 which controls the venting and the vacuumizing of the vacuum cups 41 of the can loading device L except that they operate in reverse order, the cups 90 being normally vacuumized and becoming de-vacuuinized when the cups 41 are vacuumized. When the vacuum cups 41 are vacuumized to pick up a unit layer of articles, the vacuum valve ||8 of the ventvacuum mechanism P, closes and cuts off the supply of vacuum to the cups 90 and the vent valve |30 is opened.- The valves remain in this condition until the sheet inserting device M is raised and shifted into the separator sheet station H, in readiness to pick up a sheet C.

To pick up a sheet C, the vent valve |30 is reclosed by the de-energizing of its solenoid |32 and the vacuum valve I|9 is reopened by the energizing of its solenoid |2|. Release of a sheet from the vacuum cups 96 to insert the sheet into the bag is effected by the reclosing of the vacuum valve ||8 by the de-energizing of its solenoid |2| and the reopening of the vent valve |30 by a reenergizing of its solenoid |32. Energizing and de-energizing of these solenoids is effected by I l0) in a starting circuit R which includes a normally de-energized relay solenoid |52 of a normally open relay switch |53. The sole purpose of this starting circuit is to provide for the manual starting of the machine through kthe closing of the relay switch |53 and the establishment thereby of a holding circuit which will hold the switch closed throughout the cycle of operation of the machine and which when broken at the end of the cycle, will prevent restarting of the machine until again manually effected through the reclosing of the push button switch and its circuit R'.

The starting circuit R like all the other circuits to be described transmits electric current from a generator |55 (Fig. 11) having a. main or generator lead wire |56 and a return lead wire |51. When the push button switch |5| is temporarily closed, electric current passes from the generator lead wire |56 (Fig. 10) along a connecting wire |6|, through the closed button switch |5|, along a wire |62, through the solenoid |52, returning along a wire |63, to the return wire |51. Current passing along this circuit R energizes the solenoid |52 and closes the relay switch |53.

Closing of the relay switch |53 immediately establishes a cycle holding circuit S which cuts out the push button switch |5| and which includes a normally closed cam actuated switch |65 (lower middle of Fig. 10) of an intermittently actuated indexing device T. 'Ihe indexing. device T comprises a normally stationary cam shaft |66 (see also Figs. 1 and 2) carried at its ends in bearing blocks |61 which project out from the machine frame |4.

The shaft |66 carries a plurality of edge cams controlling switches to be hereinafter explained for stopping the cam loading device L at the proper level when depositing the cans A in a bag B. For this purpose the cam shaft is partially rotated each time a layer of cans is deposited in the bag. This rotation of the shaft is effected by a ratchet wheel |68 which is mounted on the shaft and which is actuated by a pawl |69 carried on a lever arm |1| pivotally mounted on the shaft. The lever arm is movedthrough the energizing and de-energizing of a solenoid |12. The normally closedI switch |65 in the holding circuit S is controlled by a cam |13 on the cam shaft |66'.

Hence when the relay switch |53 is closed through the starting circuit R, electric current from the generator lead wire |56 passes along the wire |6|, along a connecting wire |15 of circuit S, wire |16, closed switch |65, a wire |11, closed relay switch |53, a by-pass wire |18, through the solenoid |52 of circuit R, returning along wire |63 to the return wire |51. This current maintains the solenoid |52 energized and the relay switch |53 closed after the opening or release of the button switch |5|. The stage is now set for the beginning of a cycle of operation of-loading a unit layer of cans A into the bag and to place 'a separator sheet C on top of it. i

The loading cycle begins ,with the entrance of a tray D of cans A into the machine. The tray upon being placed in proper positionon the table |1 of the machine engages and closes a normally open tray switch\|8| (Fig. 10 at the right) of a loading circuit U which includes the normally de-energized solenoid 6| of the loading device actuating valve 59 and a normally closed switch |82 controlled by a cam |83 .of the indexing device T. When the tray switch |8| is closed. electric current from the generator lead wire |56, passes along wire |6| to and along wires |15, |16 of circuit S, through closed switch 65, along wire 11, closed relay switch |53, along a connecting wire |84 to and through closed cam switch |82, a wire |85, wire |86 to and through closed tray switch |8|, a wire |81 to and through a closed switch |88 (held normally closed by engagement with the carriage K while at the receiving station G), a wire |89, to and through the normally closed vacuum switch 9|, a, wire |90 to and *through the loading device solenoid 6|, returning along a wire |9| to the return wire |51.

Electric current passing along the circuit above outlined, energizes the loading device solenod 6| and thus opens the valve in the valve housing 59 and permits compressed air to flow into the cylinder 53 as hereinbefore mentioned and thus lowers the can loading device L and its vacuum cups 41 into engagement with the cans in the tray D. It should be remembered that the sheet inserting device M is also controlled by the valve in the housing 59 and when the can loading device L moves down to engage the cans, the sheet inserting device M moves down into the bag to release a sheet C. However at this time in the cycle of operation there lis no sheet on the inserting device. Hence no action takes place.

Before the cans A can be lifted from the tray D, suflicient vacuum must be created in the vacuum cups 41 and this vacuum must be maintained until the cans are safely deposited into the bag. For this purpose the can loading device L at the bottom of its downward stroke engages and closes a normally open switch |93 (at the left in Fig. 10) of a relay circuit V which includes a solenoid |94 of a relay switch' |95. When the switch |93 is closed, current from the generator lead wire |56 passes along a connecting wire |96, through the closed switch |93, a Wire |91, through the solenoid |94, returning along a Wire |98 to the return lead wire |51. The establishment of this lcircuit energizes the solenoid |94 for the purpose of opening the switch |95, and to establish a holding circuit for the solenoid when the switch |93 again opens when the loading device moves up and away from it.

'I'he relay switch |95 is part of a vent-vacuum circuit Wwhich includes the normally energized solenoid 83 of the vent-vacuum mechanism 0 (Fig. l0) and the normally energized solenoid |2| of the vent-vacuum mechanism P (Fig. 11). Electric current for the circuit W normally passes from the generator lead wire 56 along a wire 20| (at the left in Fig. 10), through the closed switch |95, a wire 202, a connecting wire 203 through the energized solenoid 83, returning along a wire 204 to the return lead Wire |51. At the wire 203 this current also passes along a connecting wire 205 (see also Fig. 11) to and through the energized solenoid |2|, returning along a wire 206 to the return lead wire |51. When the relay switch |95 is opened this circuit is broken and the solenoids 83 and |2| are deenergized. This closes the'vent valve 8| (Fig. 7) of the vent-vacuum mechanism 0 and also closes the vacuum valve ||8 (Fig. 8) of the vent-vacuum mechanism P.

Simultaneously with the closing of the vent valve 8| (Fig. 7) of the vent-vacuum mecha' nism 0, the vacuum valve 12 actuated by the normally de-energized solenoid 13 of this mechanism is opened to connect the vacuum cups 41 with the source of vacuum. At the same time the vent valve |30 (Fig. 8) actuated by the normally de -energized solenoid |32 of the ventvacuum mechanism P is opened to vent the Vacuum cups 96 of this mechanism and release a separator sheet C from the cups when a sheet is held thereon. At this time in the cycle of operation there is no sheet on the cups.

This -opening of the vacuum valve 12 and the vent valve |30 is eilected by the closing of a normally open switch 2|| which is integral with the relay switch |95 and moves with it. The closing of the switch 2|| establishes a circuit X which includes the normally de-energized vent-vacuum solenoids 13 and |32. Electric current for this circuit passes from the generator lead wire |56 along the wire |6| (Fig. 10) along a connecting wire 2|2 through a normally closed switch 2|3 controlled by a cam 2 |4 ofthe indexing device T, along a wire 2 I 5 through a normally closed indexing switch 2|6,'wires 2|1, 2|9, through the closed switch 2| a wire 2|9, a connecting wire 220 to Land through the solenoid 13 returning along a wire 22| to the return lead wire |51. At the connection of the wires 2 I9 and 229, the current also passes along a Wire 223 (see also Fig. 11) to and through the normally de-energized solenoid |32, returning along a Wire 224 to the return lead wire |51. Current passing along this circuit X energizes the solenoids 13 and |32.

Energizing of the solenoid 13 o-pens the vacuum valve 12 (Fig. '1) and exhausts the air from the vacuum cups 41 so that they will grip and hold the cans A in the tray D. In order to maintain the solenoids 13, |32 in this energized condition while the cans are removed from the tray and inserted into the bag, the closing of the relay switch 2||, immediately connects the circuit X with the circuit V by way of a by-pass wire 226 which connects the switch 2|| with the relay solenoid |94. Thr's by-pass circuit cuts out the switch |93 operated by the loading device L. Current passes from the circuit X through the closed switch 2|| along the by-pass wire 226, through the relay solenoid |94 and wire |98 of circuit V to the return wire |51 to keep the solenoid energized and thus keep the switch 2I| closed.

When a predetermined degree of vacuum, sufflcient to hold the cans on the cups 41, is created in the cups and the vent-vacuum system connected therewith, the loading device L is permitted to rise. With the establishment of this vacuum, the vacuum switch 9| in the circuit U, opens and this breaks the circuit U. Hence the loading device actuating solenoid 6| is de-energized and this closes the air valve in the valve housing 59 and thereby vents the cylinder 53 and permits the continuous supply of air entering the bottom of the cylinder to lift the loading device L and to thusremove the cans A from the tray D and hold them in suspension above the tray. This lifting of the loading device L opens the switch |93. The breaking of the circuit U also breaks the circuits R and S and thus returns these circuits to their normally open condition in readiness for a subsequent manually started machine cycle of operation as hereinbefore mentioned.

When the loading device L reaches the top of its up stroke returning it to its normal elevated position it engages and closes an open switch 23| mounted on the carriage K for the purpose of establishing a transfer circuit Y which actuates the carriage K and thereby shifts the suspended cans A into a position over the bag B. This shifting of the carriage also moves the sheet inserting device M into a position over thestack of sheets C as hereinbefore explained. Circuit Y receives electric current from the closed relay switch 2|| of circuit X.

Hence when the switch 23| is closed by the loading device L, current passing through the closed relay switch 2|| of circuit X, also passes along a connecting wire 232 of circuit Y, closed switch 23|, a wire 233, a connecting wire 234,

cylinder 25 and thus push the carriage K into a position where the suspended cans A on the loading device L are above the bag B at the loading station F. This shifting of the carriage also opens the control switch |88 of circuit U normally held closed by contact with the carriage, and thus the circuit U is prevented from being reestablished by the entrance of the next tray of cans and the closing of the tray switch |8|, until the carriage returns to its normal position at the receiving station G.

In order to maintain the carriage K in this advanced position, while the loading device L moves down to deposit the layer of cans A into the bag, a holding circuit Z, forming a part of the circuit Y is established to prevent breaking of thev circuit Y when the loading device moves away from and opens the switch 23|. For this purpose current from the circuit Y after passing through the closed switch 23| and passing along wire 233, passes along a connecting wire 231, to and through a normally de-energized solenoid 238 of a relay switch 239, returning along a wire 24|) to the return lead wire |51. This current energizes the solenoid 238 'and closes the relay switch 239. Closing of the switch 239 establishes a by-pass circuit around the closed switch 23| permitting current from the wire 232 of circuit Y to pass along a connecting by-pass wire 24|, through the closed switch 239 and passes two Ways, along the wire 234 to the solenoid 38 of circuit Y and also along the wires 233, 231 to the solenoid 238 of circuit Z to keep these solenoids 38, 238 energized.

This by-pass circuit cuts out the loading device actuated switch 23|.

When the carriage K, in shifting into its advanced position, reaches the end of its stroke, it engages and closes a normally open control switch 243 (at'the right in Fig. 11) of an auxiliary loading device lowering circuit Y-Y which permits the loading device L to move down into the bag to deposit its cans. The sheet inserting device M also moves down to pick up a separator sheet C. This circuit Y-Y includes a normally open auxiliary vacuum switch 244 (at the upper right in Fig. 10) which is integral with the normally closed vacuum switch 9|. At this point in the loading cycle the switch 9| is open because vacuum is being maintained in the vacuum cups 41 to hold the cans and under these conditions the auxiliary switch 244 is closed. Hence as soon as the control switch 243 is closed by the carriage K, current from the generator lead wire |56 passes along a connecting wire 245 (right in Fig. 11), through the closed switch 243, along a wire 246, through the closed switch 244, along a wire 241 to and along wire |99, through the deenergized solenoid 6|, returning along wire |9| to the return lead wire |51. This current reenergizes the de-energized solenoid 6| and opens the air valve in the valve housing 59 and therebyA permits air to enter the two cylinders 53 and |9| of the can loading device L and the sheet inserting device M respectively. This air entering the cylinders pushes the loading device L and its suspended cans A down into the bag and also lowers the sheet inserting device M down onto the top sheet C of the stack of sheets at the station H.

As the loading device L moves down its moves away from and opens the control switch 23| of circuit Y.- switch 25| and thereby establishes a circuit X-X connecting with circuit Z to maintain the solenoid 238 of this latter circuit energized. This current is received from the wire 245 (right in It also closes an integral control- Fig. 11) of circuit Y-Y and after passing through the closed switch 243, passes along a wire 252, through the closed switch 25|, along a wire 253, wire 231, solenoid 238, returning along wire 240 to the return lead wire 251. This current maintains the solenoid 238 in an energized condition. y

Since the unit layer of cans A being lowered into the bag is the first or initial layer of a plurality of layers to be stacked one on top of the other in the bag, the loading device L moves all the way down into the bag until the cans rest on the bottom thereof. The distance the loading device moves down into the bag is controlled electrically through a series of normally closed depth tends up from the upper plate 44 of the loading device L. Y

In the instant case, where the unit layer of cans is to be placed on the bottom of the bag the switch actuating element 258 as it moves down with the loading device L engages and opens all of the switches 255, 256, 251 successively without effect since their connecting circuits are normally open. When the switch actuating element 258 engages and opens the stop switch 2 |6, it immediately breaks the established circuits X, Y and V.

In breaking the circuit X the vacuum solenoid 13 of the vent-vacuum mechanism 0 (Fig. 10) is de-energized and this closes the vacuum valve 12 (Fig. 7) and cuts oi the supply of vacuum from the cups 41 of the can loading device L. It also de-energizes the vent solenoid |32 of the vent-vacuum mechanism P (Fig. 11) and this closes the vent valve |30 and cuts off the outside atmosphere from the vacuum cups 96 of the sheet inserting device M. l

The breaking of circuit X, V through the bypass wire 226 (at the left in Fig. de-energizes the solenoid |94 and this permits the relay switch |95 to close and its integral auxiliary relay switch 2|| to open. The closing of this relay switch |95 re-establishes vthe Icircuit W which includes and which re-energizes the vent solenoid 83 of the vent-vacuum mechanism 0 (Fig. 10) and this opens the vent valve 8| (Fig. 7) of Ithis mechanism to the atmosphere and thus dissipates the vacuum within the vacuum cups 41 of the loading device L.

This dissipation of the vacuum recloses the vacuum switch 9| and opens the auxiliary vacuum switch 244 and thereby breaks the circuit Y-Y which thus de-energizes the solenoid '6| and closes the loading device actuating valve in the valve housing 59. The opening of the switch 9| which is in the circuit U, has no effect on this circuit at this time since it is maintained in an open condition by the open control switch |68 actuated by the carriage K.

This action takes place rapidly and thus the layer of cans 'A held by the cups are released therefrom and the travel of the loading device is arrested almost simultaneously. The released cans are supported on the bottom of the bag. The re-establishment of the circuit W also reenergizes the vacuum solenoid |2| of the ventvacuum mechanism P (Fig. 11) and this opens the vacuum valve ||8 of this mechanism to the source of vacuum andsthus creates a vacuum in the vacuum cups 96 or this mechanism to grip and hold the uppermost separator sheet C on the stack of sheets at the station H. l

However the opening of the auxiliary vacu switch 244 breaks the circuit Y-Y which includes the energized loading device actuating solenoid 6| and thus this solenoid is de-energized.

-This closes the air valve in the valve housing 59 and cuts off the flow of air into the upper ends of the two air cylinders 53, |0| of the can loading device L and the sheet inserting device M respectively. Thus the air entering the bottoms of these cylinders lifts the loading device and the sheet inserting device, the cans being left in the bag while the sheet C is picked up and held in suspension by the inserting device. The carriage K is now ready to return to its normal position (at the left as viewed in Fig. 10) t0 shift the empty loading device L into the can receiving station G and to locate the sheet inserting device M with its suspended sheet into a position above the bag at the loading station F.

The suspended sheet C remains in pc sition over the bag B until, on the next loading Cycle, the vacuum cups 41 of the loading device L are vacuumized to pick up another layer of cans. At this time the vacuum in the vacuum cups 96 of the sheet inserting device M is broken and the suspended sheet drops into the bag and falls into place on top of the inserted layer of cans A in readiness for the reception of the next layer of cans.

The return of the carriage K is brought about by a breaking of the circuit X-X, Y (at the left in Fig. 10) and this is eiected by the opening of the switch 25| when the loading device L reaches the top of its upward return travel after depositing the cans in the bag. Breaking of the circuit X-X, Y deenergizes the solenoid 38 and this permits the air valve 33 in the valve housing 34 to close and thereby vent and cut oil? the iiow of air into the outer end of the carriage actuating cylinder 25. The air entering the opposite end of the cylinder thereby acts to draw the carriage back into its original position. As soon as the carriage starts to move it opens the control switch 243 (at the right in Fig. 11) and thereby breaks the circuits X-X, and Y-Y in readiness for a repeat operation. In like manner, when the carriage returns to its normal position it engages and opens the control switch |88 (middle at Fig. 10) and thus partially closes the circuit U for a repeat operation.

During the return movement of the carriage K to its normal position, the indexing device T is actuated to reset it for the establishment of a new circuit which stops the loading device L at the second level in the bag, when the device subsequently enters the bag for the deposit of the second unit layer of cans. This actuation of the indexing device T is effected by the closing, on the return movement of the carriage, of a normally open switch 262 (Fig. 11) in a circuit U-U which includes the ratchet wheel solenoid |12 (Fig. 10) and which is an extension of the reclosed circuit W. The switch 262 is closed by a depending cam 263 mounted on the carriage K. The switch actually is closed twice, once on the forward stroke of the carriage and once on the return stroke' However the closing of the switch is effective only on the return stroke since it is then that the relay switch |95 in circuit W (at the left in Fig. 10) is closed. On the forward stroke of the carriage the switch and the circuit connected therewith is open.

the return stroke'of carriage K electric current '\layeroi cans in readiness for the reception of is received from there-establishedcircuit W'- (at the left in-Fig. i) the current'passing fromthe generator lead wire |66, along the wire 20|, through the reclosed relay switch |65, wire 262 to and along a connecting wire 266, through the closed switch 262 (Fis. 11), along a wire 261 to and through the ratchet wheel solenoid |12 (Fig. returning along a wire 268 to the return lead wire I 51. This current momentarily energizes the solenoid |12 and this locks the ratchet wheel |68 and its cam shaft |66 through an angle of 90 degrees, constituting one step of rotation of the cam shaft in the cycle of operation of illllng thev bagt By way of `illustration four layers of cans A are to be packed in the bag B and hence the indexing device T and its cooperating switches and circuits are shown to accomplish this result. However any number of layers may be packed into the bag by increasing or decreasing the number of cams and switches and employing a ratchet wheel of the proper number of teeth.

In the instant case, the partial rotation of the cam shaft |66 and the cams mounted thereon opens the indexing switch 2 I3 controlled by cam 2I4 and renders ineffective that portion of circuit X which includes the normally closed indexing switch 2|6 so that this portion'of the circuit cannot be used for stopping the descent of the loading device L on its second loading operation. During this same vrotation of the cam shaft, the cam |83 opens the switch |82 and discontinues the use of that portion of the starting circuit R which includes the starting switch I5I. The opening of this switch also closes it against auxiliary contacts which connect wire |86 of circuit U with a wire 21| which connects with the wire I 6 I, thus partially resetting the circuit U for automatic reestablishment after each loading cycle for the remaining portion of the full cycle of operation of the machine.

The rotation of t3 e cam shaft |66 also causes a cam 213 to close a normallyopen control switch 214 of a circuit W-W which includes the indexing switch 251. `The `'closing of the control switch 214 closesthe normally open circuit W-W and transfers the control ofthe vacuum valve 1| (Fig. 7) operated by the normally de-energized solenoid 13 of mechanism ,0' (Fig. 10) and the vent valve |30 (Fig. 8) operated by the normally deenergized solenoid |32 of mechanism P (Fig. 11), from the indexing switch 2|6 to the indexing switch 251 for the next or second loading cycle of operation. Current for ,this circuit passes from the wire |6I (bottom of Fig. 10) along a wire 216, closed switch 214, a lwire'211 to and through the closed stop switch 251along a wire 218 to and along wires 2|1, 2|8 :and the remaining portion of circuit X. y

The establishment of this circuit W-W, as

`yet unused, completes therst or initial loading Ycycle as an incident in loading the bag B.

The second loading cycle follows immediately after thev rst, providing a tray D of cans C are in place against and closing, the tray switch I8| at the can receivingstation'G. With this switch |8| held closed by the tray D, the second loading cycle is started as' soon'asthe'carriage K` on its return stroke engages and cl'oses. the control circuit U and immediately effects a repetition of i 18 cups 86 of the inserting device M, is released and dropped into the bag on top of the initial .the-second layer of cans.

When the second layer'of cans is picked up from the tray D and moved into position into the bag B for deposit therein on top of the separator sheet` C, the descending switch actuating element 258 of the loading device L, when it engages and opens the stop switch 251, breaks the control circuit W-W which is an extension -of circuit X and thereby breaks the circuits X, Y and V in the same manner Vas hereinbefore explained in connection with the loading of the initial layer of cans. The vacuum cups 41 are de-vacuumized s.multaneously with the closing of the loading device actuating valve in the housing 59 (Fig. 10) and the loading device L is thus stopped at the proper level in the bag to deposit the cans on top of -the separator sheet C resting on the first layer of cans.

In a similar manner, the third and fourth layers of cans A are deposited in the bag at the proper level by the breaking of successively closed circuits T T and S-,S established by the indexing device T. When this indexing device is partially rotated after deposit of the second layer of cans in the bag, the cam 213 (Fig. 10) on the cam shaft |66 breaks circuit W-W and an adjacent cam 28| closes a normally open switch 262 which establishes the circuit T-T. Current passes along this circuit from the wire I6|, along a wire .283, the closed switch 282, a wire 284 to and through the closed stop switch 256, a wire 285 connecting with wires 2|1, 2|8 of circuit X and thence along the remaining portion of crcuit X. Thus when the stop switch 256 is opened by the descending loading device L, the circuit T T- X is broken and the loading device stops at the level for releasing the cans A into the bag,vwhich in this case is the third level.

The stopping of the loading device -L at the fourth and in this case the last level, is effected by the opening of the switch |65 controlled by the cam |13 of the indexing device T. When the cam shaft |66 is rotated after deposit of the y third layer of cans, it rotates the cam |15 so as to open the switch in circuit S and reclose it against auxiliary contacts of a circuit S-S. The cam 28| is also rotated to open switch 282 and break circuit T T. In the circuit S-S'current passes from the wire |6|, along wire |15, a connecting wire 281 to and through the switch |65 now connecting this wire with a wire 288 leading to the closed stop switch 255, through the switch and along a wire 289, and wire 2|8 along the remainingportion of circuit X. Thus when the stop switch 255 is opened by the descending loading device L, the circuit S-S-X is broken and the loading device stops at the level for releasing the cans into the bag.

QT is rotated by the return movement of the carswitch |88 in the circuit U. This completes the the operations hereinbeforey explained. During this repeatloading cycle, the initial separatory riage K for the four layers of cans, the cams |13, |83, 2I4, 213, 28| on the cam shaft return their switches to their normal'condition as shown in. Fig. 10 thus resetting all the circuits for a repeat machine cycle. This terminates the machine cycle. v

At the termination of the machine cycle the fourth or last separator sheet C when moved into simultaneously with the picking up of a layer of cans by the loading device L. Since the next i9 layer of cans' to be picked up will be for the next bag which requiresv a new cycle of operation, the sheet adheres to the inserting device M. This last sheet is removed manually through a manual venting of the vacuum cups il. For this purpose the upper plate 93 (Fig. 8) of the sheet inserting device M is provided with a vent valve comprising a hollow tube 2I2 which communicates with the vacuum channels Il in the lower plate Il. vThis tube is provided with a spring pressed valve 293 which normally covers a vent port 2 formed in the tube.

When the valve 293 is lifted manually it uncovers the vent port 284 and-admits outside air into the vacuum channels 01 and thus dissipates the vacuum in the cups 96. This releases the separator sheet C fromthe inserting device and Y holding a supply of separator sheets in horizontal permits it to fall into the bag on top of theuppermost layer of cans in the bag.

The mold holding the illled bag B is then withdrawn from the machine and is sealed as hereinbefre explained.

It is thought that the invention and many oi' its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacriilcing all of its material ado vantages, the form hereinbciore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

We claim: A

1. In a packing machine for loading bags or other containers with unit layers of arranged articles, the combination of a bag support for holding a bag inv an open position, a loading device having a plurality of vacuum cups movable into a bag on saidbag support for gripping and depositing unit layers `of articles into the bag.

individually andsuccessively and in parallel zones until the bag is iillecl, vacuum and venting valve means controlling the vacuumizing of said vacuum cups. air actuated cylinder means connecting with said loading device for actuating said device, air valve means connecting with said cylinder meansfor controlling ,the actuation of said cylinder means, and control switches arranged in successive zones for governing the operation of said air valve means, ,said switches suc cessively stopping said loading device at successive zones within said bag thereby providing successive layers of 'articles to properly locate the articles in a compact mass within the bag, said control switches also governing the operation of said vacuum and venting valve means for releasing the articles from said cups at the proper zone.

12. In a packing machine for loading bags or other containers with unit layers of arranged articles, the combination of a bag support, a loading device having a plurality of vacuum cups movable into a bag on said support for gripping and depositing unit layers of articles into the bag individually and successively and in parallel zones until the bag is filled. electrically operated vacuum and venting valve means controlling the vacuumizing of said vacuum cups, air actuated position, a loading device movable between said supports for receiving unit layers of articles from said 'article support and for carrying them individually and in horizontal'position into said bag and for depositing them in superimposed relation. va separator sheet inserting device for picking up separator sheets individually from said magazine and for inserting them in said bag in horizontal position between the layers of articles as they are deposited in said bag, and actuating means for operating said loading device and said separator sheet inserting device inl timed relaition for loading the layers of articles and the separator sheets alternately into the' bag until the bag is lled.

4. In a packing machine for loading bags or other containers with unit layers of arranged articles, the combination of a horizontally positioned bag support for holding a bag with its `.open end at the top, an article supportflocated cylinder means connecting with said loading device for actuating said device, electrically operated air valve means connecting with said cylinder means for controlling the actuation of said loading device, and electric control means governing the operation of said air valve means for stopping said loading device at successive zones within said bag for successive layers of articles to properly locate the articles in a compact mass adjacent said bag support for receiving a unit layer of horizontally arranged articles, a maga'- zine also located adjacent said bag support for holding stack of horizontally disposed separator sheets, a loading device movable horizontally between said supports and having meansV for engafging and vlifting unit layers oi articles from said article support and for depositing them individually by a lowering action into the open end of said held bag, means operating on said loading device and varying the amount of its descent for stopping said device at different levels in the bag to deposit said layers of articles in 'superimposed relation, a separator sheet inserting device located adjacent said bag support for picking up separator sheets individually from said magazine and for inserting them into the open end of said bag between the layers of articles as they are deposited in said bag, and actuating means for operating said loading device and said separator sheet inserting device in timed relation for loading the layers of articles and the separator sheets alternately into the bag until the bag is lled.

5. In a packing machine for loading bags or other containers with unit layers of arranged articles, the combination of a bag support, an article support located at one side of said bag support for holding a unit layer of articles, a, magazine located at the opposite side of said bag support for holding a supply of separator sheets, a transfer carriage movable horizontally above said supports and said magazine, a loading device carried on said carriage and movable vertically therein, a sheet inserting device also carried on said carriage and movable vertically therein, carriage actuating means for shifting said carriage into an article receiving position where said loading device is located above said article support and said inserting device is over said bag support and for shifting said carriage into a loading position-where said loading device is over said bag support and said inserting device is over said magazine, and actuating ,means for operating 2ll Y said loading vdevice and said inserting device Ai'oi' picking up a unit layer of 'articles from said artig cle support and for inserting a separator sheet into said bag when said carriage is in its article receiving position and for depositing the picked .up layer of articles into the bag and for picking up a sheet from said magazine when said carriage is in its loading position.

6. Ina packing machine for loading bags or other containers with unit layers of arranged articles, the combination of a bag support, an article support located at one side of said bag support for holding a unit layer of articles, a magazine located at the opposite side of said bag support for holding a supply of separator sheets, a transfer carriage movable horizontally above said supports and said magazine, a loading device carried on said carriage and movable vertically therein, a sheet inserting device also carried on said carriage and movable vertically therein, carriage actuating means for shifting said carriage into an article receiving position where said loading device is located above said article support and said inserting device is over said bag support and for shifting said carriage into a loading position where said loading device is over said bag support and said inserting device is over said magazine, device actuating means for operating said loading device and said inserting device simultaneously for picking up a unit layer of articles from said article support and for inserting a separator sheet into said bag when said carriage is in its article receiving position and for depositing the picked up layer of articles into the bag and for picking up a sheet from said magazine when said carriage is in itsloading position, and control means operable by said loading device and governing the actuation of said loading device independently of said inserting device for stopping said loading device at different levels in the bag for each layer of articles deposited therein for depositing the layers in superimposed relation until the bag is lled.

7. In a packing machine for loading bags or other containers with unit layers of arranged articles, the combination of a bag support, an article support located at'one'side of said bag A asesores-gj articies. the combinationei' aj-bagrsiinport, article support adjacentsaldiy bagsuliilolbflfor holdinga layer of articles, aloadng-fdevicemoveable between saidsupports, a plurality of vacuum cups carried on said loading device for picking up the layer of articles on said article-support and for depositing it in said bag, an air operated cylinder for actuating said loading device, 'a vacuum control device connecting with said vacuum cups and with said air operated cylinder,

said vacuum control device having means sensitive to the degree of vacuum in said cups for delaying the actuation of said loading device until a sufcient vacuum is created in said cups to insure the gripping and holding of the articles on said cups during transfer into said bag, and control means operable by said loading device for breaking the vacuum in said cups when the layer of articles are in position in said bag for` releasing the articles from said cups.

9. Inta `packing machine for loading bags or other containers with lunit layers of arranged articles, the combination of a bag support for retaining a bag in an open position with the open end at the top, an article support located at one side of said bag support for holding a unit layer sheet into said bag between each layer of articles support for holding a unit layer of articles, a

' magazine, device actuating means for moving said loading device relative to said carriage for picking up layers of articles from said article support and for depositing them individually into the bag in said bag support, said device actuating means also moving said inserting device relative to said carriage for picking up separator sheets from said magazine and for inserting them into said bag between the layers of articles deposited therein, and electric control means interconnecting said device actuating means and said carriage actuating means and operating said actuating devices through a plurality of repeat cycles for loading the layers of articles into the bag and for terminating the operation of said actuating devices when the bag is filled.

8. In a packing machine for loading bags or other containers with unit layers of arranged depositedtherein until the bag is lled.

10. In a packing machine for loading bags or other containers with unit layers of arranged articles, the combination of a bag support for holding the bag with its open end at the top, loading means movable to a position above said bag support for depositing unit layers of articles into a bag on said support individually and successively as horizontal layers, a magazine disposed adjacent said bag support for holding a stack of horizontally disposed separator sheets, sheet inserting means movable above and between said bag support and said magazine for pickingup separator sheets individually and suc'- cessively from the top of the stack of sheets in said magazine and for depositing them into said bag individually and successively and in horizontal position, and means for operating said loading device and said inserting device in timed relation by alternately moving said inserting and said loading devices over the open end of said bag for inserting a separator sheet into said bag between each layer of articles deposited therein until the bag is lled.

1l. In a packing machine for loading bags or other containers with unit layers of arranged articles, the combination of a bag support, load' ing means movable relative to said bag support for depositing unit layers o'f articles into a bag on said support individually and successively, a magazine disposed adjacent said bag support for holding a stack of separator sheets, sheet inserting means movable between said bag support and said magazine, said sheet inserting means'including vacuum cups connecting with a source of vacuum, control means for vacuumizing said cups for picking up separator sheets individually from 

